With a 1–0 record and a top-10 ranking, the Kentucky Wildcats will return to Rupp Arena on Friday night to face the Valparaiso Beacons, who also opened their season with a win. After a sluggish start against
Nicholls, Kentucky found its rhythm in the second half, pulling away for a comfortable 77–51 victory.
The Wildcats had to battle through some adversity in the opener. Point guard Jaland Lowe sat out with a shoulder injury sustained in the Blue-White Game, forcing Mark Pope to turn to Denzel Aberdeen, who was also nursing a groin injury. Despite the setback, Aberdeen played 20 key minutes off the bench and helped stabilize Kentucky’s offense.
The first half was far from ideal. Kentucky managed just 28 points, struggling to find a flow offensively. However, their defense held firm, limiting Nicholls to just 15 first-half points —an impressive feat that kept the game well within control.
In the second half, the Wildcats surged behind Collin Chandler, who scored a career-high 15 points and electrified the crowd with a highlight-reel dunk. Otega Oweh, Jasper Johnson, and Denzel Aberdeen also finished in double figures as the Wildcats cruised to victory.
Now, attention turns to Valparaiso, which may not have Kentucky’s firepower but has proven capable of grinding out wins. The Beacons narrowly defeated Eastern Illinois 66–63 on Tuesday night, a game that showcased both their hustle and inconsistency.
Valpo struggled to shoot efficiently, hitting just 9-of-26 from the field in the first half and 10-of-29 in the second. Their long-range shooting also left plenty to be desired, finishing 7-for-31 from 3-point range and 21-for-35 from the free-throw line. Still, their effort on the glass helped them survive. Valpo grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, a stat that should catch Kentucky’s attention.
Limiting Rebounding
While Eastern Illinois narrowly outrebounded Valpo 41–38, the Beacons’ ability to create second-chance opportunities was a major factor in the win. Kentucky, meanwhile, will need to ensure every player boxes out and limits Valpo’s offensive boards, a key to maintaining control and pace.
Discipline will also be essential. Both teams fouled frequently in their openers, Valpo racked up 22 personal fouls, while Eastern Illinois committed 30. Kentucky did a better job of avoiding whistles against Nicholls, finishing with just 17 fouls. Maintaining that defensive discipline will be crucial against a Valpo team that loves to attack the rim and draw contact.
Battle Turnover Ratio
Turnovers and steals could also shape the game’s flow. Valpo forced 13 steals but also committed 14 turnovers of their own.
Kentucky, meanwhile, posted seven steals and 13 turnovers against Nicholls. Expect Pope to stress the importance of cleaner offensive execution, especially with Lowe’s status still uncertain.
Valparaiso’s roster features a mix of veteran transfers and newcomers. The Beacons went 11 deep in their opener, with eight players logging double-digit minutes.
If Kentucky brings the same second-half energy from the Nicholls game, Rupp Arena should see another comfortable win, but as Mark Pope said, this team is still learning how to play together, and every game is a chance to grow.
Starting Lineup
Mark Brown Jr. (6’0”, G) – A junior college transfer who averaged 13.3 points and 4.3 assists per game last season. Brown scored 6 points (2-for-9 FG) against Eastern Illinois and added 3 assists.
Owen Dease (6’8”, F) – A transfer from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he averaged nearly 10 points last season. Dease had 2 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes.
Isaiah Barnes (6’7”, G) – A Tulsa transfer who also spent time at Michigan. Barnes led Valpo with 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the opener.
JT Pettigrew (6’8”, F) – A promising freshman who scored 13 points on 3-for-6 shooting and hit 7-of-11 from the line.
Shon Tupuola (6’10”, C) – A junior college transfer who averaged a double-double last year but played just 9 minutes Tuesday, scoring 2 points.
Off the bench
Carter Hopoi (6’11”) stood out with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, posting a team-best +13 plus/minus despite scoring only 3 points. Brody Whitaker and Rakim Chaney also provided valuable minutes —and Whitaker tallied 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Chaney added 12 points and 5 steals.
This Valpo team will play hard and physical, even if their shooting numbers aren’t elite. Their biggest challenge Friday will be handling Kentucky’s defensive pressure and athleticism. The Wildcats’ length on the perimeter and depth inside could make scoring difficult for a Valpo offense that already struggled with efficiency.
For Kentucky, this matchup serves as another opportunity to build chemistry and confidence before SEC play begins. With in-state rival Louisville up next, the Wildcats need to use this game to tighten their rotations, continue developing offensive flow, and hopefully get Lowe back on the court.
Expect Collin Chandler and Otega Oweh to once again set the tone. If the Cats can limit turnovers, control the glass, and avoid fouls, they should have no trouble improving to 2–0. But Valparaiso’s scrappiness means Kentucky can’t afford another slow start.
Kentucky Basketball vs. Valparaiso Beacons
Time: 7:00 PM ET on November 7th, 2025
Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky
TV Info: SEC Network+ (stream only)
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN
Rosters: UK | Valparaiso
Stats to Know: UK | Valparaiso
KenPom: UK | Valparaiso
Team Sheet: UK | Valparaiso
Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook does not have official odds yet, so check back later. EvanMiya gives Kentucky a 99.2% chance of winning, BartTorvik is at 98%, KenPom is at 99.8%, and ESPN is at 98.5%.
Predictions: EvanMiya has Kentucky winning 92-62, BartTorvik has the Cats winning 93-62. Haslametrics is going with a 91-60 victory for Kentucky. KenPom has the Cats winning 93-61. I’m going with an 84-58 victory, Kentucky 84!
Go Cats!
